Principals' agency in leadership goals and practice

This interview study examines the leadership goals and practices embodied in principals' professional agency. The framework of the study consists of agency and broad-based pedagogical leadership. The analysis used data- and theory-based content analysis. Based on the data three leadership styles embodying agency were created: survival, construction and development leadership style. The study shows that in all leadership styles, agency does not manifest itself as broad-based pedagogical leadership. This is due to the concentration of the leadership style in the day-to-day management of maintaining school activities. However, the realization of broad-based pedagogical leadership requires management of the symbolic and cultural sphere as well. Examining agency as a part of broad-based pedagogical leadership shows that leadership must be constantly developed.